Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Kennedy Center Honors

#1 Art & Entertainment Event The Kennedy Center Honors marked its 40-year anniversary in 2017, honoring Gloria Estefan, LL Cool J, Lionel Richie, Norman Lear, and Carmen de Lavallade. The ceremony took place on December 3 and the event’s PBS broadcast aired on December 26. The Kennedy Center does not publish its fund-raising number, but each year, this event raises between $6 million and $7 million for its artistic and education programs. President Trump and the first lady skipped out on the ceremony, with the White House issuing a statement that the decision would “allow the honorees to celebrate without any political distraction.” Several of the honorees had suggested they would boycott the event if Trump was there. It's the first time a sitting president hadn't attended in more than two decades, according to CNN. Next: December 2, 2018

Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Ford's Theatre Society Annual Gala

#3 Art & Entertainment Event All 550 full-view seats were filled for the Ford's Theatre Society Annual Gala this year in June, which raised nearly $2 million to support the artistic and educational efforts of Ford’s Theatre. First lady Melania Trump gave remarks to conclude the gala. Guests headed to a post-performance dinner at the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum, with catering and linens provided by Design Cuisine, flowers by Amaryllis, lighting by Atmosphere Lighting, and entertainment from the Crystal Strings, classical division of Sterling Artists. Next: Summer 2019

Photo: James R. Brantley Photography

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

DC JazzFest

#4 Art & Entertainment Event (up from #6) D.C. JazzFest presented by Events DC bested its record-setting 2017 event by attracting even more jazz fans in 2019: Total attendance reached 82,359 patrons, with 165 events in all eight wards across 10 days in June. The festival's culminating weekend happened at the Wharf, where programming on multiple stages, educational opportunities, and pop-up performances drew in more than 28,000 attendees, a 159 percent increase from year to year. The festival kicked off with a bang when comedian Dave Chappelle joined Frédéric Yonnet on stage at City Winery during opening night. Meanwhile, original Hamilton cast member Leslie Odom Jr. filled one of D.C.’s largest music venues, The Anthem, with support from Robert Glasper’s new modern jazz supergroup (R+R=NOW) and jazz funk icon Maceo Parker. Next: June 7-16, 2019

Photo: Courtesy of DC JazzFest

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Will on the Hill

#5 Art & Entertainment Event Will on the Hill brings together professional actors and members of Congress and Washington influencers to the stage to perform an original production that combines Shakespeare and political comedy. June's edition of Shakespeare Theatre Company's sold-out event raised $500,000 for the theater's education and community outreach programs. This year, 600 guests at Sidney Harman Hall watched as bold-faced names like journalist Dana Bash and Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke performed My Kingdom for a Farce by local playwright Michael Trottier, working alongside West Wing writers Jeff Nussbaum, Brian Agler, and Patrick Ross. The 2018 event brought the company’s artistic associate Craig Baldwin to the helm as director for the evening’s performance. Next: Summer 2019

Photo: Kevin Allen

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Capital Fringe Festival

#6 Art & Entertainment Event (up from #7) The 13th annual Capital Fringe Festival ran from July 7 to 29, featuring performances by local artists spanning the gamut from theater, music, performance art, dance, and more. This theatrical showcase took over the Southwest Waterfront area in 2018: Churches, Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, and the arts club Blind Whino all hosted productions. This year, 17,284 guests attended 380 performances that involved 800 artists. For the first time, Capital Fringe commissioned three plays. Next: July 2019

Photo: New Paradise Laboratories/Capital Fringe Festival

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

AFI Docs

#7 Art & Entertainment Event This popular five-day documentary film festival in Washington and Silver Spring screened 92 films from 22 countries, supported by returning presenting sponsor AT&T. The documentaries always cover a wide range of topics, and in 2018, the Audience Award for Best Feature went to Mr. Soul!, directed by Melissa Haizlip and Sam Pollard. This year's Audience Award for Best Short went to Earthrise, directed by Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee. Journalists from NBC News, the Chicago Tribune, the Washington Post, and more participated in panels with filmmakers, film subjects, and audience members. Next: June 19-23, 2019

Photo: Courtesy of AFI Docs

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

D.C. Shorts Film Festival

#8 Art & Entertainment Event D.C. Shorts Film Festival opened its 15th annual event in September with a rooftop soiree, going on to screen 125 films at venues located around the city. Downtown's the Landmark E Street Cinema served as the primary screening location for the 10-day festival. Each film ran from 2 minutes to 30 minutes in length. This year’s films were selected from more than 1,300 submissions: the final official selections represented 30 countries, and nine shorts debuted as world premieres. Next: September 19-28, 2019

Photo: Courtesy of D.C. Shorts

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

A. W. Mellon Lectures in the Fine Arts

#9 Art & Entertainment Event (new to the list) Established in 1949, the founding goal of the A. W. Mellon Lectures in the Fine Arts was to make the best contemporary scholarship available to the public. In its 67th annual talks in 2018, professor of art and archaeology at Princeton University Hal Foster gave the six-part lecture series, entitled Positive Barbarism: Brutal Aesthetics in the Postwar Period. Held in the East Building Auditorium at the National Gallery of Art, the lectures attracted 1,000 listeners. Foster focused on the work of artists like Claes Oldenburg and Eduardo Paolozzi and how these artists picked up again after the trauma of World War II, the Holocaust, and the atomic bomb. Next: March 31-May 12, 2019

Photo: Courtesy of A.W. Mellon Lectures

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Shamrock Fest

#10 Art & Entertainment Event Billed as one of the nation’s largest Saint Patrick’s Day festivals, thousands of rock fans (and Saint Patrick's Day fans) bought tickets for a show that spanned multiple stages at the RFK Stadium Festival Grounds on March 17. Headliners at the 19th annual gathering included Sum41, Shaggy, Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish, Carbon Leaf, EPX, and Pat Premier. Beyond the music, Shamrock Fest puts holiday-specific entertainment like an Irish Village with shops, Irish dancers, bagpipes, and Irish food. V.I.P. ticket-holders indulged in perks that included bottomless beer. Next: March 16-17, 2019

Photo: Danilo Lewis

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

All Things Go Fall Classic

#11 Art & Entertainment Event (new to the list) The fifth annual All Things Go Fall Classic was bigger than ever in 2018, with more than 10,000 fans turning out to Union Market for this music and food festival. The kickoff featured an all-female lineup of indie musicians, with Maggie Rogers headlining along with Ravyn Lenae, Jessie Reyez, Billie Eilish, LPX, Kaye, Oshun, and Alma. The next day’s lineup was headlined by singer Carly Rae Jepsen, capping off performances by Betty Who, MisterWives, Two Feet, The Aces, and Cautious Clay. The festival continued partnering with buzzy local restaurants, bringing in snacks for fans from the likes of Sweetgreen, Timber Pizza, Pinstripes, Bun’d Up, Rocklands, Vice Cream, Shake Shack, JRINK, and Compass Coffee. Next: October 11-13, 2019

Photo: Doug Van Sant

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Rammy Awards Gala

#1 Food & Restaurant Industry Event Each June, D.C.’s culinary scene gathers for a black-tie celebration at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The 36th annual Rammys drew 2,300 guests and feted winners in 21 award categories, including nods for Masseria as the formal fine dining restaurant of the year, Chiko as new restaurant of the year, and Centrolina's Amy Brandwein for chef of the year. The awards also honored José Andrés and Patricia Fernandez de la Cruz with the Exceptional Leadership & Impact Award and the Dubliner's Daniel J. Coleman with the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award for 44 years in business, respectively. Produced by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, this year's decor included food-inspired mural installations by Design Foundry, a live art installation from Kelly Walker, and "listening zones" with Spotify playlists from D.C. chefs and restaurateurs. Next: June 2019

Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Sips & Suppers

#3 Food & Restaurant Industry Event Ten years ago, famed chefs Alice Waters and José Andrés and cookbook author Joan Nathan created D.C. fund-raiser Sips & Suppers, and this year's 10th annual event raised more than $650,000 for local organizations DC Central Kitchen and Martha’s Table ($50,000 more than last year). The January event hosted some 1,000 guests on a Saturday at the Newseum for bites and drinks from restaurants like Alta Strada, Hank’s Oyster Bar, Rappahannock River Oyster Company, Radiator, and Oyamel. The JetBlue Lounge returned to the event, as mixologist Gina Chersevani whipped up cocktails passed throughout the space on airplane bar carts. This year, MGM National Harbor sponsored a lounge at the Newseum featuring bites from its restaurants along with three "Partyvators" in the elevator. Then on Sunday, chefs prepared dinner in the homes of more than 35 hosts. Next: January 26-28, 2019

Photo: Courtesy of DC Central Kitchen

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

National Harbor Wine & Food Festival

#4 Food & Restaurant Industry Event (up from #5) Food and wine lovers convened in April at the 10th annual Wine and Food Festival at National Harbor's waterfront. Produced by Trigger Street, this year saw the debut of the Bubbles Champagne Lounge complete with a DJ and champagne flights. Top chefs hit the cooking stage, including Scott Drewno of Chiko, Amy Brandwein of Centrolina, Victor Albisu of Taco Bamba, Alex McCoy of Lucky Buns, and Rock Harper of Rock Solid Creative Food. About 7,500 attended the festival on Saturday, and weather dampened the enthusiasm on Sunday, with attendance at 2,500. Next: May 4-5, 2019

Photo: Kimchi

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Capital Food Fight

#5 Food & Restaurant Industry Event (up from #8) D.C. Central Kitchen’s culinary battle moved to buzzy new concert hall the Anthem on the southwest waterfront for its 15th anniversary. This year, the event was hosted by star local chefs José Andrés and Spike Mendelsohn with celebrity judges like Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman and Top Chef's Tom Colicchio. Chef Autumn Cline of Rappahannock Oyster Company took home the title, beating Kyle Bailey of the Salt Line, Alex McCoy of Lucky Buns, and Kevin Tien of Himitsu. The event raised over $770,000 to support its mission to fight hunger, an increase over last year's $638,000 total. Next: Fall 2019

Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle

#6 Food & Restaurant Industry Event Downtown D.C. transforms into a cookout each summer for the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle on historic Pennsylvania Avenue. This year's 26th annual event drew 100,000 and raised $680,000 for the U.S.O. while donating food to the Capital Area Food Bank. This year, 30 bands performed on three stages, and restaurants from around the country served barbecue favorites. Attractions included Johnsonville’s Big Taste “World’s Largest” Grill, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, and a cooking contest, in which Serial Grillers of Memphis, Tennessee, won the title of Grand Champion. Next: June 22-23, 2019

Photo: Courtesy of Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Chefs for Equality

#7 Food & Restaurant Industry Event The seventh annual Chefs for Equality from HRC Foundation and event creator David Hagedorn moved to the Washington National Cathedral for the first time this year. The sold-out October event dedicated to L.G.B.T.Q. equality brought together 600 chefs and more than 120 of the city's top chefs, pastry chefs, and mixologists. Christopher Vazquez and Rick Davis of Amaryllis Floral & Event Design transformed the venue, which was also accented by elaborate custom wedding cakes. Top auction items included a weeklong stay at an eight-bedroom home in Umbria, Italy, that went for $12,000; and dinner for two at three-Michelin-star Inn at Little Washington that went for $10,000. The evening's featured speaker was the campaign's own Charlotte Clymer, who spoke about the importance of inclusivity at restaurants. The event raised more than $300,000. Next: Fall 2019

Photo: Courtesy of Chefs for Equality

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Smithsonian Food History Gala Dinner

#8 Food & Restaurant Industry Event (new to the list) The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is home to Julia Child's kitchen, and each year, the museum hosts acclaimed chefs for its Food History Weekend Gala. At this November's sold-out fourth annual black-tie event with 277 guests, Border Grill's Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger received the Julia Child Award in honor of their contributions to the way America cooks, eats, and drinks. The chefs created a menu for the gala inspired by their culinary journey, serving dishes like chicken with basmati rice and pickled tomatoes. Chef Bobby Flay served as master of ceremonies and former Bon Appetit editor in chief Barbara Fairchild and chef Traci Des Jardins spoke. This year’s event exceeded years past for a new fund-raising record, and all funding was directed toward the production of major upgrades to the museum's exhibition, "Food: Transforming the American Table." Next: November 7, 2019

Photo: Jaclyn Nash

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Taste of D.C.

#9 Food & Restaurant Industry Event Taste of D.C. jumped from its longtime home at Pennsylvania Avenue in 2017 to R.F.K. Stadium Festival Grounds, and in 2018, the food festival moved to Audi Field (D.C. United's new home near the Navy Yard metro stop). Food lovers could peruse bites from the more than 65 area restaurants participating in the festival's restaurant row. A Chase lounge served up Maketto coffee and ramen fries for cardholders. The festival is again cashless, using an R.F.I.D. wristband for purchases, and this year, the festival offered free entry via registration. Next: Fall 2019

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Citi Open

#1 Sports Event (up from #2) The 2018 tournament marked 50 years of professional tennis in Washington, and to celebrate the milestone, legends like Jimmy Connors attended a reception held on-site at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Title sponsor Citibank commissioned a custom mural in honor of the anniversary, while the tournament introduced new dining options with a Food Truck Alley. Spectatorship rose from last year, peaking at 74,000 spectators throughout the nine-day tournament to see players like Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka, Sloane Stephens, Kei Nishikori, and Naomi Osaka in the draw. Rising star Alexander Zverev successfully defended his 2017 Citi Open championship title, while two-time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova won her first WTA tour title since undergoing wrist surgery. Next: July 27-August 4, 2019

Photo: Courtesy of Citi Open

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Preakness Stakes

#2 Sports Event Racing fans in 2018 celebrated a Triple Crown win for Justify, whose road to the historic title included a win at Preakness Stakes' foggy, muddy track. The wet weather might have deterred spectators: 134,487 came to the course in May, down from last year's more than 140,000 attendees. This ended a four-year stretch of record-breaking attendance, but the 2018 race still proved to be the third-largest crowd in Preakness history. Television ratings went up slightly over last year, and it ranked as the weekend's most-watched sporting event. Preakness Village added new glass chalets instead of vinyl tents for its luxury accommodations. Meanwhile, Under Armor skipped out this year as a Preakness party sponsor, choosing not to host a finish-line hospitality tent. Next: May 18, 2019

Photo: Jon Kral

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Marine Corps Marathon

#3 Sports Event Washington resident Jeffrey Stein led a pack of 20,700 finishers and won the 43rd Marine Corps Marathon. The top female finisher was Jenny Mendez of Costa Rica, who logged her second MCM victory. Runners hailed from 64 countries, including 14 countries newly represented in 2019. The race on October 28 began with a skydive presented by Leidos and a Marine Corps Osprey flyover. The weekend included the MCM Health & Fitness Expo presented by Cigna, with a lineup of speakers for the MCM Runners Conference, all held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. The marathon's efforts to go green included new "water monsters" or self-serve water stations. Next: October 27, 2019

Photo: Courtesy of Marine Corps Marathon

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Congressional Baseball Game for Charity

#4 Sports Event (up from #7) For the second year in a row, this long-standing bipartisan tradition raised more than $1 million for local charities. The game marked the return of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, who was among those injured in 2017 after a gunman opened fire at a Republican practice right before that year's matchup. In years prior to the shooting, around 10,000 fans typically attended the game, but the event’s outpouring of support after 2017's shooting continued this year, drawing 21,000 fans to Nationals Park. At this year's game, Scalise started at second base and made the first out of the game. The Democrats won the game 21-5. Next: June 2019

Photo: Paul Kim/Washington Nationals

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Military Bowl

#5 Sports Event (up from #6) The 2017 Military Bowl celebrated the game's 10th anniversary as Navy beat Virginia, 49-7, before a sellout crowd of 35,921. It was the third sellout in the five years that the game has been played in Annapolis. For the eighth consecutive year, the Military Bowl donated at least $100,000 to the U.S.O. and provided complimentary tickets for service members. The Military Bowl Parade before the game featured the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, as well as marching bands, cheerleaders, youth groups, military groups, and community groups, in addition to 13 Medal of Honor Recipients. Next: December 31, 2018

Photo: Marcus Summers Photography

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Armed Forces Cycling Classic

#6 Sports Event (new to the list) Part of the USA Cycling National Criterium Calendar, the Armed Forces Cycling Classic stages races for the nation's top pro men and women, along with races for amateurs of all abilities. The race, now in its 21st year, takes over Arlington: it features the Clarendon Cup, Challenge Ride, Crystal City Cup, and Kids Races on both days. The Clarendon Cup is known as one of the nation’s most difficult criterium races in terms of the technical demands of the course and the competition of racers. In 2018, the Boeing Company served as presenting sponsor for the Armed Forces Cycling Classic, along with supporting sponsors Lockheed Martin, Navy Federal Credit Union, Warner Construction Consultants, Clark Construction, Thales, Altamira, and Crystal City. Next: Summer 2019

Photo: Wild Light Photos

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

National Cherry Blossom Festival

#1 Parade, Walk & Festival D.C.'s iconic festival expanded to a new neighborhood in 2018: This was the inaugural year of Petalpalooza, a signature event at gleaming new waterfront development the Wharf. Tens of thousands listened to local bands at Petalpalooza's three outdoor music venues along the piers, with fireworks over the harbor to end the show. The festival began with the 800-guest annual Pink Tie Party fund-raiser at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Other standout events during the festival included the Blossom Kite Festival, which attracted more than 40,000 people, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade presented by Events DC, which drew some 120,000 spectators and more than one million national TV viewers. The opening ceremony boasted 20,000 live stream viewers, while the #cherryblossomdc hashtag was posted more than 27,000 times. Next: March 20-April 14, 2019

Photo: Courtesy of National Cherry Blossom Festival

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

#2 Parade, Walk & Festival In what must be a first for the National Mall, a group from Catalonia built a 400-human tower as part of the 52nd annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival. This popular summer event focused on two core programs titled “Armenia: Creating Home” and “Catalonia: Tradition and Creativity from the Mediterranean.” Several hundred participants from those regions shared the stories behind their artisan craft and local food and wine production, along with artists from around the D.C. region. In 2018, about 700,000 people attended over the 10 days of the festival, which is co-sponsored by the National Park Service. In 2019, the Folklife Festival will center on the “social power of music," spotlighting communities from Benin, Brazil, D.C., the U.S. Gulf Coast, and more. Next: June 26-30, 2019 and July 3-7, 2019

Photo: Smithsonian Folklife Festival

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Capital Pride

#3 Parade, Walk & Festival (up from #4) The Capital Pride Alliance event honoring the L.G.B.T.Q. community includes a packed schedule of events every year with a huge turnout: in 2018, more than 600,000 guests attended the pride parade, festival, and concert alone. This year's concert headliners included Alessia Cara, Troye Sivan, Keri Hilson, Kim Petras, and Max. The turnout included more than 200 parade contingents and the Pride Festival included three stages of national and local talent with 300 exhibitors such as local community groups and businesses, food vendors, and other organizations. Next: May 31-June 9, 2019

Photo: Ted Eytan

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

National Independence Day Parade

#4 Parade, Walk & Festival Every Fourth of July, this patriotic parade travels on Constitution Avenue along the National Mall from 7th to 17th streets. Marching bands from across the country chosen by the Parade National Selection Committee participate each year in the event, which annually draws hundreds of thousands of people to see the parade floats and enjoy the music. The event is hosted by the National Park Service and produced by Diversified Events, with Music Celebrations International selecting arrangements. The parade is uploaded to YouTube and Facebook. Next: July 4, 2019

Photo: Ron Engle

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Rolling Thunder

#5 Parade, Walk & Festival Each Memorial Day weekend in Washington, thousands of motorcycle riders roar into town as a demonstration to bring awareness and accountability for the military’s POWs and MIAs. The 31st annual event in 2018 drew about 500,000 bikers for the Rolling Thunder ride to the National Mall, according to news reports. The annual event schedule includes a “Blessing of the Bikes” at the National Cathedral, a candlelight vigil at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and musical tributes to veterans. Next: May 24-27, 2019

Photo: Courtesy of Rolling Thunder

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Chinese New Year Parade and Festival

#6 Parade, Walk & Festival (up from #7) D.C.'s Chinatown neighborhood celebrated the Year of the Pig in February, with the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association’s annual Chinese New Year’s parade. The association is the umbrella organization representing 30 Chinese-American organizations throughout the greater Washington area. This year proved to be a record-breaking year for the event with more than 40,000 spectators, according to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department's estimate, and also a record number of parade groups and marchers. A diverse group of marchers included traditional Chinese lions and dragons along with groups like the United States Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, drummers from the all female percussion band Batalá Washington, hip-hop dancers, Taiwanese Youth Drummers, the Whitman High School Drumline, and the El Salvadorian band Bando El Pulgarcito. Next: February 10, 2019

Photo: Edward Der Photography

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair

#7 Parade, Walk & Festival (up from #10) This beloved marketplace of handmade goods from independent artisans marked its 15th edition with the most vendors in its history at 250 booths. Hosted by the Washington City Paper, the fair moved from Nationals Park to tents at Lot A at the Capitol Riverfront in southeast D.C. this year. The crowds were a bit smaller due to inclement weather, with an estimated 8,000 attendees over two days. Major sponsors for this year’s show included D.C. United, Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery, Hubert’s Lemonade, Essentia Water, Alliance Francaise de Washington, and Getaround. Next: Fall 2019

Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Susan G. Komen Washington, D.C., Race for the Cure

#9 Parade, Walk & Festival The annual race draws runners and walkers to raise money for breast cancer research and support programs, bringing a wave of pink T-shirts to downtown D.C. Last year, organizers changed the event date to September from Mother's Day weekend and moved the course from the National Mall to Freedom Plaza. Those changes held steady in 2018, bringing together 6,000 participants and raising more than an estimated $700,000. Top local sponsors included the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, American Society of Clinical Oncology, WTOP, 97.1 WASH-FM, ABC7, News Channel 8, and CityPeek. Next year’s event will be rebranded from the Race for the Cure to a new event experience called the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk. Next: September 7, 2019

Photo: J-Lynn Photography

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Walk & 5K to End H.I.V.

#10 Parade, Walk & Festival The signature fund-raiser for Whitman-Walker Health boasted about 3,200 registrants and brought in about $610,000 during the October 2017 race, which was led by grand marshall Jim Obergefell, whose case before the Supreme Court secured marriage equality for all Americans in 2015. Due to inclement weather on the race day this year, Whitman-Walker Health rescheduled its 2018 event from October to December 1, which is World AIDS Day. That gives the health organization even more time to hit the event's $850,000 fund-raising goal. Next: December 1, 2018

Photo: Edward Le Poulin

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Virginia Scottish Games and Festival

#11 Parade, Walk & Festival This festival devoted to all things Scottish began in 1974, and the 2018 event brought more than 10,000 attendees to scenic Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia. The two-day festival includes highland dancing, bagpipes, a fiddling competition, an antique British car show, whiskey tasting, and a sheep-herding demonstration among other attractions. Visitors could also browse through sale items like soaps and candles made on-site, kilts, jewelry, toys, knives, hats, Scottish pottery, and candy. Next: August 31-September 1, 2019

Photo: Virginia Scottish Games Staff Photography

Virginia Scottish Games Staff Photography

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

State of the Union

#1 Political & Press Event (up from #2) President Trump delivered his first official State of the Union speech on Tuesday, January 30, 2018, after giving his first address to a “Joint Session of Congress” last year. The 2018 State of the Union speech clocked in at one hour and 20 minutes, what the New York Times says is the third longest State of the Union speech in the last 50 years. Representative Joseph Kennedy III provided the response for the Democrats following Trump's speech. The Nielsen Company reported that 45.6 million people tuned into the State of the Union address across 12 networks. Next: January 30, 2019

Photo: Courtesy of The White House

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

White House Correspondents' Association Dinner

#2 Political & Press Event Big name celebrities mostly stayed home from the previously starry White House Correspondents' Association Dinner and for the second year in a row, President Trump skipped the actual dinner, where his predecessors traditionally offered humorous remarks. His combative relationship with the media fueled a controversial set by comedian headliner Michelle Wolf, whose blistering jokes about the administration sparked controversy with both the White House and journalists—including the head of the White House Correspondents' Association, who issued a statement to members about the annual dinner, saying: "Last night's program was meant to offer a unifying message about our common commitment to a vigorous and free press while honoring civility, great reporting, and scholarship winners, not to divide people. Unfortunately, the entertainer's monologue was not in the spirit of that mission." Next: April 27, 2019

Photo: Cheriss May/NurPhoto

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference

#3 Political & Press Event More than 18,000 people attended this year’s conference, whose host organization works to strengthen and promote the relationship between Israel and the U.S. in ways that enhance the security of both nations. More than two-thirds of Congress attended the event, which featured speeches from Vice President Mike Pence, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The conference continues to be the largest bipartisan gathering of members of Congress other than the State of the Union address. Next: March 24-26, 2019

Photo: Courtesy of AIPAC

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Conservative Political Action Conference

#4 Political & Press Event The American Conservative Union returned to the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center with its annual lineup of politicians and media and talk personalities. Speakers included President Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Energy Secretary Rick Perry, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, Sean Hannity, and more. However, the presence of Marion Maréchal-Le Pen, the niece of French far right nationalist figurehead Marine Le Pen, sparked controversy. Users tweeted #CPAC and #CPAC2018 1.2 million times during the conference's four-day schedule. Next: February 21-24, 2018

Photo: Courtesy of Conservative Public Action Conference

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Gridiron Club Dinner

#5 Political & Press Event After declining his invitation last year, President Trump attended the white-tie dinner, which brings top politicos and the press together for musical lampoons of the White House and Congress. The club's 133rd Anniversary Spring Dinner on March 3 was held at the Renaissance Washington D.C. Hotel. The dinner discourages live tweeting, texting, cameras, and recordings, but a White House pool reporter produced a transcript of Trump's remarks, and outlets from the Washington Post to Slate dissected Trump's jokes from his monologue. Next: Spring 2019

Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Legislative Conference

#7 Political & Press Event (up from #8) Senators Cory Booker and Kamala Harris served as honorary co-chairs for the 48th annual Legislative Conference in September, the first time in the history of the conference that two African-American senators held that position. (Historically, co-chairs have been members of the U.S. House of Representatives.) This year, 10,660 registrants headed to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to hear from 400 speakers. Buzzy programs included Congresswoman Maxine Waters' “Young, Gifted and Black” session and the “Education Braintrust” hosted by Congressman Bobby Scott. Bold-faced names like Common, Meek Mill, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., Rev. Al Sharpton, Regina Hall, and Rev. Run all participated. Next: Fall 2019

Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Washington Press Club Foundation's Congressional Dinner

#9 Political & Press Event The bipartisan dinner continued its long-standing tradition of bringing together politicians from both sides of the aisle for a chance to joke together. This year, the sold-out event welcomed Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, Senator Christopher A. Coons, and Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen to share their comedic stylings. C-SPAN televised the event, which honors the accomplishments of journalists and raises money for internships and scholarships. Next: Winter/Spring 2019

Photo: Tom Williams/Getty

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Alfalfa Club Dinner

#10 Political & Press Event Mike Bloomberg introduced former secretary of state John Kerry this year as the next president of the Alfalfa Club at this dinner, which is an elite annual gathering of business titans and politicos. The 105th dinner at the Capital Hilton reportedly included remarks from former president George W. Bush, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., former secretary of state Madeleine Albright, and Senator Amy Klobuchar. New members included the likes of Apple C.E.O. Tim Cook and Federal Reserve chairman Jerome H. Powell. An after-party at Cafe Milano in Georgetown sparked a brief social media firestorm, however, when Alfalfa Club attendee chef Jose Andrés tweeted that Ivanka Trump prevented him from entering the party. The next day, Andrés set the record straight that it had all been a misunderstanding. Next: January 2019

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Peter G. Peterson Foundation Fiscal Summit

#11 Political & Press Event This annual fiscal summit explored the theme "Debt Matters," enlisting leading lawmakers and policy experts as speakers during the summit in May at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senator Jeff Flake, Senator David Perdue, Representative Tom Reed, and more government leaders convened with scholars and business leaders. Moderators and interviewers included correspondents and editors from the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and Marketplace. Next: May 2019

Photo: Courtesy of Peter G. Peterson Foundation

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Radio & Television Correspondents Association Dinner

#12 Political & Press Event The 74th annual dinner moved to the Wharf development, taking place in November at concert venue the Anthem. The association partnered with event production and design firm Dufour & Co for the dinner, and Senator Jeff Flake provided the keynote address. Awards went to talented journalists: Jamie Dupree of Cox Media Group won the 2018 Career Achievement Award for Distinguished Reporting on Congress, NBC News’ Capitol Hill Bureau received the Joan Shorenstein Barone Award for its reporting on sexual harassment on Capitol Hill, BBC Correspondent Quentin Sommerville and cameraman Darren Conway received the David Bloom Award for their Syria reporting, and Garney Gary of C-SPAN received the Jerry Thompson Award for photojournalism production. Next: Fall 2019

Photo: Pixelme Studio

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Atlantic Council’s Distinguished Leadership Awards

#13 Political & Press Event In May, the Atlantic Council honored four individuals with global leadership awards: former President George W. Bush; Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Commander, U.S. European Command General Curtis M. Scaparrotti; the singer Gloria Estefan; and Starbucks Corporation executive chairman Howard Schultz. The crowd of 800 guests from 71 countries included six former or current heads of state, 42 ambassadors, and four current or former cabinet officials. The event even included a performance by Ana Villafañe, who played Estefan in the Broadway musical On Your Feet. Next: Spring 2019

Photo: Courtesy of Atlantic Council

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Celebration of Service to America Awards

#14 Political & Press Event The NAB Education Foundation’s Celebration of Service to America Awards hit its 20th anniversary in 2018. The June event at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium added new categories that were created based on market size. One radio and one television honoree were awarded in categories like broadcast ownership group, large/major market, medium market, and small market. At the event, country music star and philanthropist Sara Evans received the Leadership Award and Cisco received the Corporate Leadership Award. Next: June 11, 2019

Photo: Courtesy of The NAB Education Foundation

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

National Press Foundation Awards Dinner

#15 Political & Press Event This annual tribute to the best of journalism returned to the Marriott Marquis, honoring PBS NewsHour's Judy Woodruff and Bloomberg's Al Hunt with the W.M. Kiplinger Distinguished Contributions to Journalism Award. The Benjamin C. Bradlee Editor of the Year Award went to Rick Hutzell of the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Maryland, site of a deadly mass shooting this year. John Donnelly of CQ Roll Call received the Everett McKinley Dirksen Award for Distinguished Reporting of Congress; Kashmir Hill and Surya Mattu of Gizmodo Media Group received the Technology in Journalism Award; and Nancy Ohanian won the Clifford K. & James T. Berryman Award for Editorial Cartoons. The dinner draws 900 guests each year, and this year's long list of sponsors included Bayer, BP, Fox News, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Honda, Kiplinger, and Politico. Next: February 13, 2019

Photo: Courtesy of National Press Foundation

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

National Governors Association Winter Meeting

#16 Political & Press Event The National Governors Association held its 110th Winter Meeting in D.C. in February, drawing 40 governors and nearly 2,000 guests, along with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who delivered the keynote address. He wasn't the only head of state to address the governors: Ghana's president Nana Akufo-Addo delivered a speech on the relationship between his country and the U.S. He is the first-ever leader from Africa to join an NGA Winter Meeting. Beyond the international focus, the program tackled hot button issues: Senators Lamar Alexander and Patty Murray hosted governors for a roundtable on the opioid epidemic. Next: February 22-25, 2018

Photo: Courtesy of National Governors Association

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

International Women of Courage Awards

#17 Political & Press Event First lady Melania Trump delivered remarks at the Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award, which recognized 10 social and human rights activists from around the world with International Women of Courage Awards. The honorees included L’Malouma Said, founding member of a Mauritanian anti-slavery organization; Dr. Feride Rushiti of the Kosovo Center for the Rehabilitation of Torture Victims; Aura Elena Farfan, human rights activist in Guatemala. The finalists are selected and approved by senior State Department officials. Next: Spring 2018

Photo: Exchange Photos

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting

#18 Political & Press Event New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu presided over this three-day conference in January at the Capital Hilton, which brought together mayors, Trump administration officials, members of Congress, and business leaders to find solutions to problems in American cities. Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti gave remarks during the Plenary Luncheon and spoke during several breakout sessions. Special guests included Senator Jeff Flake, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke, the Aspen Institute’s Walter Isaacson, and Hillbilly Elegy author J.D. Vance. Next: January 23-25, 2019

Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Washington Auto Show

#1 Trade Show & Convention The Washington, D.C. Auto Show is recognized as the largest indoor event in the metro D.C. region each year, and this year, overall show attendance rose 5 percent from 2017. The 750,000-square-foot show at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center introduced a new 100,000-square-foot interactive display from Jaguar/Land Rover. Visitors had the opportunity to both drive a car on an indoor track or ride in a yet-to-be-released Jaguar e-Pace SUV on a stunt course with a stunt driver. The show boasted displays from more than 35 different manufacturers, who in total showed around 650 new cars. Artists painted vehicles on-site as part of the Art in Motion exhibit, and Automotive News editor in chief Keith Crain received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Local sports figures also made appearances, and two U.S. Senate Committee Hearings happened on-site, as well. Next: April 5-14, 2019

Photo: Courtesy of Washington Auto Show

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo

#2 Trade Show & Convention The NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2018, and moved to a new location within the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, taking over Halls D & E. The health, wellness, and fitness festival, which boasted an estimated 80,000 attendees, welcomed Telemundo 44 to the event this year for the first time. Celebs joining the fun this year included actress Fran Drescher, U.S. hockey gold medalist Haley Skarupa, Bravo star Teresa Giudice, and local pro athletes. The expo included health services like dental exams and blood pressure screenings, along with healthy cooking demos and an indoor play area with double dutch and hula hoops. Next: January 12-13, 2019

Photo: Courtesy of NBC4 Washington

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting & Exposition

#3 Trade Show & Convention Secretary of the Army Mark T. Esper delivered the keynote speech at the opening ceremony of this October's Association of the United States Army's Annual Meeting and Exposition at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. This event drew Army leaders and soldiers, notable Army veterans, and supporters from around the world, and attendance grew to more than 31,000 from last year's 29,734. Highlights included addresses from Karen Pence, second lady of the United States; Kirstjen Nielsen, secretary of homeland security; and Patrick Shanahan, deputy secretary of defense. Actor Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band performed. Journalist Martha Raddatz received the George Catlett Marshall Medal. The show included more than 700 exhibitors in the exhibit hall. Next: October 14-16, 2019

Photo: Courtesy of US Army

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Washington D.C. Travel & Adventure Show

#4 Trade Show & Convention In January, 22,324 attendees headed to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to find inspiration for their next vacation. The 15th annual Washington D.C. Travel & Adventure Show saw an 8 percent increase in its year over year attendance rate and added new sponsors like the Hilton Passport Program, Cruise Planners, Turkey, and the Florida Keys & Key West. With the Hilton Passport program, attendees could have their passport photos taken and fill out passport application forms. Celebrity travel experts like Travel Channel’s Samantha Brown, editorial director of Frommer’s Pauline Frommer, and TV host Rudy Maxa made appearances. Next: March 16-17, 2019

Photo: Dillon Padgette

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Smithsonian Craft Show

#5 Trade Show & Convention For the first time, the Smithsonian Craft Show highlighted Asian cultural influence on American crafts. The four-day show partnered with the Smithsonian's Asian Cultural History Program and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative office in the U.S. to showcase the theme of “Asian Influence/American design.” Taiwanese artisans demonstrated their work, in addition to the work displayed by 120 American artists. The National Building Museum hosted the sale, and wood sculptor Foon Sham created a temporary sculpture just for the atrium's fountain. Attendance was up from last year's 6,100 to 7,000. Next: April 24-28, 2019

Photo: Ruth McCully

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Awesome Con DC

#6 Trade Show & Convention (up from #7) Washington's answer to Comic-Con is Awesome Con, a "celebration of geek culture" produced by LeftField Media. Held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, this year's convention held steady from last year's attendance with 70,000 fans. The three-day show features props and a collection of costumes from Star Wars: The Last Jedi, an exclusive screening of the first episode of Netflix’s Lost in Space followed by a panel discussion with scientists and the show's executive producers and writers, and a panel in honor of the 80th anniversary of Superman, bringing together DC Comics artist Greg Capullo and writer Scott Snyder and comic book artist and writer Dan Jurgens, alongside Smallville actors Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum. Next: April 26-28, 2019

Photo: LeftField Media

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Washington National Cathedral Flower Mart

#7 Trade Show & Convention All Hallows Guild has hosted Flower Mart as a benefit for the Cathedral’s gardens and grounds since 1939, making this a spring Washington tradition. This year, Mayor Muriel Bowser and several Ambassadors took part in the Flower Mart Opening Ceremony: Bowser served as honorary chair, cutting the ribbon to officially open the two-day event on Friday. The plant sale once again partnered with Destination DC to make Flower Mart a stop on their Passport DC Embassy Tour. Sixteen local embassies participated in the Flower Mart International Floral Display, held inside the National Cathedral. Flower Mart included entertainment, tours, exhibits, art and crafts boutiques, horticulture displays, plant sales, food stands, an antique carousel, and a children’s area with an array of carnival rides and games. Attendance doubled from last year, drawing 20,000 attendees, thanks to favorable weather and increased news coverage. Next: May 3-4, 2019

Photo: Marie Joabar

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Satellite Conference & Exhibition

#8 Trade Show & Convention (up from #9) The March 2018 edition of this technology industry show drew 15,066 attendees from 105 countries to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The year, 340 exhibitors took over 84,000 square feet of exhibit space, while the event featured 310 speakers, including industry leaders like Gale Allen, acting chief scientist at NASA, and SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell, who was awarded the Satellite Executive of the Year Award. Orbital ATK also unveiled its next generation in-orbit robotic servicing platform during the show. Next: May 6-9, 2019

Photo: Steven David

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Washington Winter Show

#9 Trade Show & Convention This annual antique show returned to the Katzen Arts Center at American University with this year's "The Charm of Chinoiserie" theme, delving into Western imitation of Chinese artistic traditions. Speakers included award-winning interior designer Charlotte Moss, House Beautiful editor-in-chief Sophie Dow Donelson, and designers Alexa Hampton and Markham Roberts. A preview night reception included an Asian-theme dinner buffet from Susan Gage Catering. Proceeds benefited at-risk children and families served by the show’s charitable partners: TheArc, Bishop John T. Walker School, and the Founders Board of St. John’s Community Services. Next: January 11-13, 2019

Photo: Michael Kress

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Fight Night

#1 Benefit Hit musician Flo Rida headlined the 29th annual Fight Night, the nonprofit Fight For Children's fund-raiser to support at-risk children. The evening's entertainment centered around a Championship Boxing match with the USBA Jr. Welterweight Championship fight between Sonny Fredrickson and Manuel Mendez. With more than 1,600 guests in attendance, the event raised over $2 million, adding to the more than $65 million raised over the years. The evening also included an appearance from the star of Creed II, Florian Munteanu, and the film’s director, Steven Caple Jr. The event has been known for year as the quintessential guy’s night out with boxing, steak, and cigars, but this year in light of the #MeToo movement and changing cultural mores, the event’s scantily-dressed ring girls, cheerleaders, and table hostesses were replaced by men and women dressed as referees. Next: November 14, 2019

Photo: Kevin A. Koski

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Opera Gala

#2 Benefit This annual gala is Washington National Opera's largest fund-raiser and this year was no exception, raising nearly $1 million to advance the opera’s artistic, education, and community engagement programs. A full-house crowd attended this performance, which capped off the Kennedy Center’s yearlong celebration of Leonard Bernstein by enlisting famed singers like Patti LuPone, Alek Shrader, Nathan Gunn, and Isabel Leonard. The event ran with last year's format shift from a ball to a gala, hosting 400 guests for a cocktail reception on the Kennedy Center’s River Terrace along with post-performance dinners hosted by ambassadors and foreign dignitaries. Next: May 18, 2019

Photo: Yasssine El Mansouri

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Leukemia Ball

#3 Benefit One of D.C.'s largest non-political black tie events, the Leukemia Ball drew in 1,700 guests in 2018 and raised more than $3 million. The theme of this year's event at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center was "Illuminate: Shining A Light On Progress," and comedian Jeff Foxworthy and musician Phil Vassar provided the entertainment. Next year, the ball will move venues to the Marriott Marquis. Next: March 16, 2019

Photo: Bruce Buckley

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Prevent Cancer Foundation's Annual Spring Gala

#4 Benefit The 24th Prevent Cancer Annual Spring Gala raised $1.7 million for the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the most the gala has ever raised in its 24-year history. Held in May at the National Building Museum, the gala's decor from event designer and Prevent Cancer Foundation board member David Tutera was inspired by the Republic of Singapore. Singapore’s ambassador, Ashok Mirpuri, and Mrs. Gouri Mirpuri served as honorary patrons for the gala, which had a “Sensations of Singapore” theme. More than 30 members of Congress were among the 1,000 guests that attended the event. Organizers attribute the stellar fund-raising results in part to a change in the night-of donation appeal: A combination of commitments secured ahead of time and matching gifts helped jumpstart the fund-raising. Last year's donation appeal raised just over $10,000, and this year, it raised nearly $100,000. Next: May 9, 2019

Photo: Jack Hartzman Photography

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Meridian Ball

#5 Benefit (up from #12) Meridian Ball hosted its 50th annual event in October, and its format hasn't changed since 1969. The evening begins with embassy dinners hosted by 35 ambassadors, then it’s on to an evening of dancing and desserts at the historic Meridian House, without speeches or formal programming. The Washington Post described the ball this year as one of the last of its kind, an event that "transcends party lines, even in these fraught times." The ball hosted more than 800 guests, a record number, and organizers said it raised a record amount of money to benefit Meridian International Center’s efforts to advance diplomatic engagement (Meridian declined to disclose the fund-raising total). Notables in attendance included Kellyanne Conway, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Rod Rosenstein, Rickie Niceta, and Congressmen Francis Rooney, Don Beyer, Mark Meadows, and John Delaney. Twenty former Meridian Ball chairs joined together to spearhead this year’s "golden anniversary" efforts. Next: October 25, 2019

Photo: Stephen Bobb

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Thurgood Marshall College Fund Annual Gala

#6 Benefit (up from #7) The Thurgood Marshall College Fund raised more than $5.6 million at its 31st anniversary awards gala, held at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel—an increase over last year's $4.3 million total. The audience included 1,000 civic, corporate, and education leaders and more than 400 students from the TMCF’s Leadership Institute. Urban One was this year’s media partner and guest presenters included TV personalities Nene Leakes and Terrence J. Thanks to gala entertainment partner Honda North America, the evening's entertainment included a live performance by Alvin Garrett alongside the Howard Gospel Choir. Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, president of Tennessee State University, received the Educational Leadership Award; the Boeing Company's Dennis A. Muilenburg received the C.E.O. of the Year Award honoree; and WGL Holdings Inc. and Washington Gas's Leslie T. Thornton received the Thurgood Marshall Legacy Award. Next: October 19, 2019

Photo: Tasos Katopodis

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

John F. Kennedy Center for the Arts Annual Spring Gala

#7 Benefit Legendary singer Mavis Staples headlined this year's Kennedy Center Spring Gala Concert, which looked back at her more than 60-year career. The evening included performances from guests like bluegrass/country singer Alison Krauss, multi-instrumentalist Bruce Hornsby, and singer-songwriter Neko Case. The event also honored actor/musician Gary Sinise as the Citizen Artist and Eli and Edythe Broad as the year's Distinguished Philanthropists, recognized for their commitment to making the arts accessible to everyone. The event raised $1.8 million and boasted more than 600 attendees. Next: Spring 2019

Photo: Yassine El Mansouri

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Ball for the Mall

#8 Benefit More than 750 guests enjoyed a party amongst the monuments under the stars at the Trust for the Mall's beloved gala Ball for the Mall. CNN’s Wolf Blitzer returned as master of ceremonies for the April event from this official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service. Author Cokie Roberts and her daughter Rebecca Boggs Roberts delivered the keynote address (with an introduction from businessman and philanthropist David M. Rubenstein). Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke presented the “History, Heroes, and Hope Award” to two longtime National Mall volunteers. Corporate sponsors included Wells Fargo and American Airlines among many others, and the ball raised $1.4 million. Next: May 9, 2019

Photo: Tony Powell

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Children's Ball

#9 Benefit The Children’s Ball raised $3 million, on par with last year's event, to support Children’s National, the Washington region’s pediatric hospital. Fox News' Bret Baier emceed for the 10th year in a row, also sharing the stage with CBS This Morning co-host Norah O’Donnell and Amanda Merrell, a 16-year old student athlete who survived a rare and life-threatening form of cancer thanks to the treatment she received at Children’s National. More than 800 attendees were encouraged to “Rock the Red” with Union Station's beautiful architecture bathed in red light. Guests enjoyed sports-related fun throughout the black-tie evening. Next: April 13, 2019

Photo: A.E.Landes Photography

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Wolf Trap Ball

#10 Benefit (up from #17) This September's Wolf Trap Ball raised a record-high $1.7 million in support of Wolf Trap Foundation’s national arts and education programs, dressing up the performing venue in the iconic symbols of Great Britain. Silver Lining Design Group played with influences like classic tweeds and punk rock London fashion. Lighting effects included a ceiling of chandeliers fashioned from nearly 100 oversized umbrellas, and a dance floor backdrop depicted the London Eye. Kim Darroch, British Ambassador to the United States, and Lady Darroch served as honorary hosts for the 900-guest, three-course dinner. Next: September 2019

Photo: A.E.Landes Photography

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Phillips Collection Annual Spring Gala

#11 Benefit (up from #14) More than 400 guests dined among the Phillips Collection's masterworks during this annual gala, which raised $1 million to support the museum's educational programs. The theme this year centered around the summer exhibit "Marking the Infinite: Contemporary Women Artists from Aboriginal Australia." The event coincided with the Contemporaries Bash: Bondi Beach at Dock 5 at Union Market, which brought together more than 700 young professionals for cocktails, dancing, music, Australian-themed food, and fashion. Next: May 10, 2019

Photo: Pepe Gomez

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Washington Ballet Spring Gala

#12 Benefit (up from #13) After hosting the annual spring gala at the National Air & Space Museum, the Washington Ballet hosted its "Raising the Barre"-theme event at the Anthem at the Wharf in May. The concert hall transformed with chartreuse accents and lighting, a striking lily sculpture to welcome guests, and floral arrangements of grass and lilies. The sit-down dinner raised $760,000 in support of arts and education programs. The Ambassador of Germany Dr. Peter Wittig and his wife, Huberta von Voss-Wittig, served as honorary gala chairs, and guests included Ambassador of Denmark Lars Gert Lose, Ambassador of Armenia Grigor Hovhannissian, Senator Roy Blunt, Congressman Don Beyer, D.C. Councilmember Jack Evans, and Kay Kendall, chair of the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities. Sponsors included the Boeing Company and FedEx Corporation. The event featured catering from Occasions Caterers, florals and rentals from Amaryllis, and lighting by Atmosphere Inc. with DJ Alkimist providing the music. Next: May 10, 2019

Photo: Neshan H. Naltchayan

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Washington Performing Arts Annual Gala

#13 Benefit (up from #15) In order to accommodate more guests, the Washington Performing Arts Gala moved to the National Building Museum, drawing nearly 600 guests. The event raised $1 million to support arts education initiatives and the presentation of artists at 10 different venues each season. This year, founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture Lonnie Bunch III received the Ambassador of the Arts Award. Singer Eric Owens, dance troupe Step Afrika, and the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir all performed during the evening. Next: March 30, 2019

Photo: Kalorama Photo

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Harman Center for the Arts Gala

#14 Benefit (up from #16) Actress Phylicia Rashad's award-winning career on the stage in classical theatre earned her the Shakespeare Theatre Company's prestigious William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre during this year's gala at the Harman Center for the Arts in October. Lifelong champion of the arts Jacqueline Badger Mars received the Sidney Harman Award for Philanthropy in the Arts. More than 600 guests attended the event, which began at Sidney Harman Hall with a champagne and wine reception. The award ceremony included performances, and then guests headed to the National Building Museum for a three-course dinner and dancing. Next: November 3, 2019

Photo: Margo Schulman

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Youth of the Year Gala

#15 Benefit (up from #18) The Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year program has celebrated young leaders from across the U.S. for more than 70 years. For the September gala, 500 guests gathered at the National Building Museum for musical performances by club youth and the award of 2018-19 National Youth of the Year. The event raised $1.4 million, with appearance from celebrity alumni and supporters including actor Denzel Washington, Redskins player Josh Norman, singer Kelly Rowland, WWE's Stephanie McMahon, Democratic Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, and congressional leaders. The program was presented by Disney with additional support from Toyota. Vendors included TallOrder Productions, Freestyle Productions, Occasions Catering, and Helen Olivia Flowers. Next: September 25, 2019

Photo: Kevin Wolf

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Knock Out Abuse

#16 Benefit (up from #22) The 25th anniversary of the Knock Out Abuse Gala raised a record-breaking $1 million in November to benefit women and children who are survivors of domestic abuse — a third more than what was raised during the 2017 gala. Norma Commons Ramsey, Ann Walker Marchant, and Denise Grant served as chairwomen for the event, which took over the Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. ballroom and was designed by Events by André Wells. Notable speakers included former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, Senator Mark Warner, and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, with news anchor Andrea Roane as mistress of ceremonies and a performance by singer/songwriter Shaléa. The event coincided with Fight Night, and attendees from that party were invited to join the dance party after the program. Next: Fall 2019

Photo: Davide De Pas

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

National Italian American Foundation Gala

#17 Benefit The National Italian American Foundation returned to the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel for its 43rd annual gala, hosting 2,000 Italian Americans and special guests from Italy for a weekend-long celebration in October of music, wine, food, and culture. The event kicked off with a private dinner and a book signing with cookbook author and chef Lidia Bastianich, followed by Expo Italiana, Saturday evening’s black-tie Gala Awards Dinner with a feast of Pugliese-inspired dishes and wines, and an after-hours party. Gala sponsor Cibo Italia and Oropan were behind items in the impressive spread of food. Actor and comedian Mark DeCarlo served as master of ceremonies. The foundation declined to release the gala’s fund-raising total. Next: November 1-3, 2019

Photo: Andy DelGiudice

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

March of Dimes Gourmet Gala

#18 Benefit (up from #19) April's Gourmet Gala raised a record $1.2 million to support the health of mothers and babies, as more than 600 attendees flocked to the National Building Museum in Washington for a competitive cook-off between more than 45 Members of Congress. Six won awards for everything from Nashville-style hot chicken to guacamole. Acclaimed D.C. chefs like Ris Lacoste of RIS, Scott Drewno of Chiko, and Mike Friedman of the Red Hen and All Purpose served as celebrity judges. Legacy chefs were also honored during the evening for participating as Celebrity Chefs for 10 or more years. Next: May 9, 2019

Photo: Tony Powell

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Opening Night Gala

#19 Benefit (up from #21) Alvin Ailey kicked off a weeklong Kennedy Center engagement in February with its annual benefit performance and party at the venue. Over 800 guests raised over $900,000 and headed upstairs for drinking and dancing after a performance that included the D.C. premiere of Ailey star Jamar Roberts’ blues-inspired work Members Don’t Get Weary, with Ailey’s masterpiece Revelations as the finale. Gina Adams, Lyndon K. Boozer, Sela Collins, and Debra L. Lee served as gala co-chairs. The evening was supported by a grant from Southern Company, with Southern Company’s C.E.O. Thomas A. Fanning serving as corporate chair. Next: February 5, 2019

Photo: Tony Powell

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Celebrate Every Breath Gala

#20 Benefit In November, 250 of Washington’s business elite gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at the annual Celebrate Every Breath Gala. Hosted by the Metro DC Chapter, the event brought together 16 chefs and one mixologist for a night of fine dining, wine pairings, and fun. Attendees supported the foundation through live and silent auctions, which included trips to Hawaii, Tuscany, and Aruba and a lively Bid for a Cure. Alan Holmer was honored with the Hitchcock Humanitarian Award in honor of his work for the cystic fibrosis community. Presented by the CIM Group, other sponsors included Heidrick & Struggles, Eagle Bank, Oliver Agency, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The gala raised $380,000. Next: Fall 2019

Photo: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Ambassadors Ball

#21 Benefit In honor of a big milestone, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's 40th Annual Ambassadors Ball moved to the Anthem in the Wharf District. Japanese Ambassador Shinsuke Sugiyama and his wife Yoko Sugiyama served as honorary co-chairs, and the Japanese Embassy provided a sake tasting at the reception as well as an ikebana flower arrangement display. Taiko drumming troupe Nen Daiko performed and the band Big Ray and the Kool Kats kept attendees on the dance floor after dinner. The first Champion Award was presented to Rear Admiral Susan Blumenthal, who served as the first deputy secretary on women’s health in the Department of Health and Human Services, where she advocated for neurological disease research and women’s health. The ball raised more than $525,000. Next: Fall 2019

Photo: Tony Powell

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Humane Rescue Alliance Bark Ball

#22 Benefit (up from #23) This black-tie gala for dogs and their owners raised $750,000, surpassing last year's total and the 2018 goal of $715,000, all benefiting the Humane Rescue Alliance. Held at the Washington Hilton, the event drew 1,100 guests for a reception, silent auction, and seated vegan dinner. Former Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole took part in the event, as did Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer and his wife, Erica May-Scherzer. Sponsors who committed more than $15,000 include EJF Philanthropies, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Louie and Ralph Dweck, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, and the National Association of Manufacturers. Next: October 10, 2019

Photo: EPNAC

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Chance for Life

#23 Benefit (new to the list) Fantastic food and poker are big draws at the Chance for Life presented by the Boeing Company, which hosted more than 2,000 guests and raised more than $1.6 million for pediatric cancer research at the March 13 event at MGM National Harbor. All proceeds fund pediatric cancer research at Children’s National Health System and through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. The event, in its 13th year, included a 700-person daytime poker tournament, a presentation from top restaurants, a sprawling silent auction, and an after-party hosted by NBC4’s Doug Kammerer and Angie Goff featuring musical performances by Blues Traveler frontman John Popper and DJ Skribble. Notable attendees included football legend Joe Montana, former New York Mets star Dwight “Doc” Gooden, and former Washington Redskins players Chris Samuels and Santana Moss. Next: March 9, 2019

Photo: Kaveh Sardari

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

National Book Festival

#1 Literary & Publishing Event The 18th annual Library of Congress National Book Festival on September 1 drew tens of thousands of book lovers to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, and the Washington Post judged this to be the largest event in the festival's history, with a crowd estimate of at least 200,000 readers. A talk with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor proved to be so popular that 3,000 people were turned away from the festival’s 2,500-seat Main Stage. Brokeback Mountain author Annie Proulx received the Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction. This year, 13 authors launched new books at the festival, the most debuts in the festival’s history. Viewers across the world could tune into PBS Books' live coverage online at PBSBooks.org and on Facebook Live.

Photo: Library of Congress

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Best of Washington

#2 Literary & Publishing EventWashingtonian's annual AT&T Best of Washington returned to the National Building Museum in June, and the food-focused event once again sold out. More than 60 restaurants participated, and proceeds went toward the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Syzygy Events added tropical decor for the party's "Evening in Havana" theme. Guests sampled bites by restaurants like Compass Rose and Tiger Fork, posed in a Geico photo booth next to the company's root beer float station, and received personal poems written by the Haiku Guys & Gals. Title sponsor AT&T's virtual reality booth demonstrated the dangers of texting and driving. PenFed lounge passed out Cuban cigars, United Airlines Polaris Lounge gave guests personally engraved Stella Artois chalices, and the American Beverage Association sponsored the evening’s invite-only Publisher’s Reception. Next: Summer 2019

Photo: Rodney Bailey

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Scripps National Spelling Bee

#3 Literary & Publishing Event (up from #5) A record number of spellers entered the Scripps National Spelling Bee this year. The competition began Tuesday with 515 spellers, way up from last year's 291 spellers. That's because this year saw the introduction of RSVBee, a new invitational program created to level the playing field for national finals qualification and provide opportunities for more students to experience Bee Week. More than 2,600 people attended the three-day competition at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. The finals were broadcast live on ESPN as Karthik Nemmani claimed the trophy. The event racked up four million impressions on Twitter and more than 2.4 million impressions on Facebook. Also new: The bee partnered with Random House Children’s Books and Dr. Seuss Enterprises to stage the Dr. Seuss’s Word Challenge, which went along with additional Dr. Seuss-theme events during Bee Week. Next: May 26-31, 2019

Photo: Scripps National Spelling Bee

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction Ceremony & Dinner

#4 Literary & Publishing Event The country’s largest peer-juried prize for fiction returned to the Folger Theatre for an event with readings from winner Joan Silber, the author of Improvement, and finalists Hernán Díaz, Samantha Hunt, Achy Obejas, and Jesmyn Ward, along with remarks by the judges. The editor of the Washington Post's book section Ron Charles served as master of ceremonies, and following the ceremony, guests and authors headed to a formal reception with cocktails, a buffet, and beer provided by Bluejacket Brewery. Next: May 2019

Photo: Courtesy of PEN/Faulkner

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

National Press Club’s Book Fair and Authors’ Night

#5 Literary & Publishing Event Two D.C. literary institutions joined forces for this popular book fair, which drew more than 70 participating authors. The National Press Club Journalism Institute partnered with independent bookstore Politics and Prose for the event at the National Press Club, headlined by journalists Bob Schieffer, Helene Cooper, and Marvin Kalb. Readers met with authors who write about everything from music to politics, and proceeds from the fair benefited the National Press Club Journalism Institute's mission, including scholarship and training programs. Next: Fall 2019

Photo: Noel St. John

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

A Capitol Fourth

#1 Holiday Event The capital's Fourth of July celebration welcomed back John Stamos to host the festivities broadcast live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. This year's event featured a packed performance schedule with the likes of Jimmy Buffett and the cast of the Broadway musical Escape to Margaritaville, Pentatonix, the Beach Boys, Andy Grammer, the Temptations, country singer Luke Combs, singer Chita Rivera, violinist Joshua Bell, gospel legend CeCe Winans, American Idol alum Lauren Alaina, and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Jack Everly. Capital Concerts produced the program, with the Boeing Company as a major sponsor. Next: July 4, 2019

Photo: Paul Morigi

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

National Memorial Day Concert

#2 Holiday Event (up from #4) On the 150th anniversary of Memorial Day, a concert audience of hundreds of thousands watched a star-studded concert from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building. Actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise hosted the concert, which included General Colin L. Powell, actress Allison Janney, singer Cynthia Erivo, actor John Corbett, and the National Symphony Orchestra with conductor Jack Everly. The 29th annual broadcast of the concert was also live-streamed on PBS, YouTube, and Facebook. Capital Concerts produced the program. Next: May 27, 2019

Photo: Paul Morigi

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

National Christmas Tree Lighting

#3 Holiday Event President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump's first National Christmas Tree Lighting took place on November 30 and aired on the Hallmark Channel on December 4. Kathie Lee Gifford and Dean Cain hosted the holiday festivities, which included performances by the Beach Boys, Wynonna, the Texas Tenors, Mannheim Steamroller, and the U.S. Navy Band led by music director Steve Gibson. Next: November 28, 2018

Photo: Courtesy of National Park Service

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

White House Easter Egg Roll

#4 Holiday Event After 2017's stripped-down White House Easter Egg Roll, attendance went up to 30,000 for first lady Melania Trump's second edition of the popular event (last year's gathering drew in 21,000 guests). The 140th event featured the traditional egg roll, egg and cookie decorating stations, a station for making cards for U.S. troops, and a new addition: lawn bowling. Next: April 22, 2019

Photo: Courtesy of The White House

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Washingtonian's Style Setters Party

#1 Fashion & Beauty Event Every year, Washingtonian spotlights nine of the most fashionable men and women in the city in its September issue, with an equally stylish bash to fete these “Style Setters.” The party moved to the rooftop of the Navy Yard apartment building Agora at the Collective, as guests posed in front of an Instagram-friendly “Yaassss” floral photo wall from prop company Brightly Ever After. Electric Events dressed up the pool deck and rooftop, with Whispering Angel rosé and hors d’oeuvres provided by Relish Catering and a soundtrack by DJ Sean J of Pelonkey. Guests could even take home a mini bottle of rosé engraved by Meant to Be Calligraphy. Next: Fall 2019

Photo: April Greer

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Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

Walk This Way

#2 Fashion & Beauty Event Washington Redskins Vernon Davis and Chris Carter and Washington Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman walked the runway for domestic violence prevention nonprofit Becky’s Fund's 10th annual charity fashion show. This year's show at the historic Uline Arena also enlisted athletes-turned-models from the Washington Mystics, D.C. United, and the Washington Spirit. The event raised more than $150,000 for “Men of Code,” a program that engages and educates coaches and young male athletes to become leaders and allies in the movement to end violence against women and girls. The show included clothing from menswear brand Stitched, womenswear boutique D/Eleven, and jewelry by Mindy Lam, while this year’s sponsors included Verizon, Audi, JSON Art, PMSI, Douglas Development, and White Star Investments. Chefs like Scott Drewno from Chiko and Jake Addeo of Occidental Grill prepared bites onsite, in addition to specialty drinks provided by Breakthru Beverage, Terlato Wines, and Peroni; and dishes from Profish, Ivy City Smokehouse, and Capital Meat Company. Next: Fall 2019

Photo: Travis Vaughn Photography

Top 100

Washington's Top 100 Events 2018

DC Fashion Week

#3 Fashion & Beauty Event D.C. Fashion Week takes over venues across town twice a year, and attendance rose to more than 4,000 guests for the fashion week schedule for both February and September. The shows featured a variety of designers, from students to local fashion designers to international guest designers from Cambodia, France, Haiti, Nigeria, and Thailand. New sponsors like Sprite, T-Mobile, ModCloth, BodyBronz, and Georgetown Dental signed on this year. Models walked the runway at venues including the Embassy of France, Embassy of Haiti, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the Sphinx on K at Franklin Square, the Melrose Georgetown Hotel, and Crystal City Doubletree by Hilton. Next: February 22-24, 2019